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Nanoparticles in Sunscreens | The Best SPF Face Sunscreens

There has been much debate over whether Chemical sunscreens (ie. may contain Avobenzene) or Physical blockers (ie. contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) are safer than the other and more protective on your skin from harmful uv rays. Some people vote for the physical sunscreens because their natural active ingredients reflect and scatter UV radiation as opposed to being absorbed. However, fans of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sunscreens must think again.

Most skeptics of conventional physical blockers do not like the fact that they are whitish in color and thus make your skin look like it is coated in a light white film — the unwanted ghostly look. But with today’s ever advancing technology in improving skin care products, scientists have now made physical sunscreens that are colorless upon application due to the high demand of wanting sun protection that goes on colorless.

How are scientists able to do this? By the use of

Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles are particles with one or more dimension less than 100nm (1 nanometer = one-billionith of a meter). “Micronising” zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens into nanoparticle size has now given sunscreen manufacturers the ability to offer a colorless physical sun protection that is also more easily spreadable onto the skin. But there is concern now that these much smaller nano-sized particles can now enter your cells which can create free radicals that may cause damage to your cell’s DNA and mitochondria especially in the presence of UV light. Free radicals can encourage the development of cancer too.

There are health groups out now who are demanding manufacturers to label whether their products contain nanoparticles or not. But the FDA does not require such labeling. In any case, there are no conclusive studies on whether nanoparticles are 100% not safe for you. More research is required. Always be careful when looking for a sunscreen, it is much easier to go for the cheaper version however I would not recommend it! A more expensive natural sunscreen that is safe for the environment is always the best option. Every little bit helps when it comes to preserving our amazing world! What sunscreen you may ask? This SPF 30+ Sunscreen by Grahams natural is best one I have found that is environmental friendly!